Video: Thiago Almada scores for Argentina vs Colombia to draw with 10 men and without Messi on the field

With just 10 minutes left and down to 10 men after Enzo Fernández’s red card, Argentina found the equalizer thanks to a stunning goal from Olympique Lyon midfielder Thiago Almada. Minutes earlier, Lionel Messi had left the pitch, leaving the team in a tough spot.

Almada’s strike earned Argentina a hard-fought draw at home and secured another point in a campaign they’ve already dominated—having officially clinched first place in the World Cup Qualifiers. This was Almada’s second goal in the competition, with his first coming against Uruguay in the previous international window.

For Colombia, the result complicates their path to the 2026 World Cup. They’ll now have to wait until September to learn their fate, with hopes hinging on Venezuela’s upcoming matches. Colombia will close out their qualifying run with key games against Bolivia and Venezuela.

Argentina, already qualified, will wrap up the qualifiers with matches against Venezuela and Ecuador.